Neurodiversity Week Write up: Story#2

Overcoming the obstacles and living a stress-free life

The steady tap of a pencil on a desk fills the room. Tap. Tap. Tap. It’s a sound so subtle that it goes unnoticed by most. Tap. Tap. Tap. It’s an idle movement, barely audible, yet persistent. Tap. Tap. Tap. Suddenly, I leap out of my seat, exclaiming, “I need to go to the restroom!” The teacher, without looking up, points the tip of her pencil towards the door and says, “Go ahead.” I shuffle awkwardly past my essay-writing peers, feeling their eyes on me. The sound drills deeper into my consciousness. Why am I the only one tormented by this incessant noise? I finally escape the room and step into the bustling hallway. Students of various grades are moving about during their lunch period, creating a cacophony of sounds. I hear every footstep, every whisper, and feel every brush of clothing against mine. The fluorescent lights above buzz loudly and threaten to blind me. My head is spinning, my skin feels like it’s crawling, and my heart races as I make a beeline for the restroom, my sanctuary of quiet.

My name is Matt, and both my brother and I have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dyslexia, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). At the time of my diagnosis, it was referred to as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), which has since been merged with ADHD. The story I just shared is a vivid example of overstimulation, a common experience for individuals with ASD. Everyday occurrences, which might seem trivial to others, can become overwhelming and distressing. Overcoming these challenges is not easy, but it is possible. For instance, noise-cancelling earplugs can help mitigate auditory overstimulation, while tinted glasses can reduce the impact of bright lights. However, my go-to solution is often to retreat to the bathroom, a place where I can find a moment of peace and regain my composure.

ASD, Dyslexia, and ADHD are three prevalent neurodevelopmental conditions that affect individuals worldwide. ASD is characterized by challenges in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities, making it difficult for individuals to understand social cues and keep eye contact. Dyslexia primarily affects reading and language processing skills, leading to difficulties with word recognition, spelling, and decoding. ADHD involves symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can interfere with daily functioning and relationships. Despite these challenges, each condition can coexist with unique strengths, such as exceptional pattern recognition in ASD, creative problem-solving in dyslexia, and high energy and enthusiasm in ADHD.

I was diagnosed with ASD at the age of 24, while my brother received his diagnosis at 10. This significant age gap in diagnoses resulted in my brother having access to considerably more resources than I did. In grade school, he was provided with a separate room to work quietly, while I had to manage in a busy, noisy classroom, making concentration difficult. He was also granted extra time for school assignments, while I faced penalties for any delays. This disparity in support encouraged my brother to pursue and complete post-secondary education, while my attempts at higher education were unsuccessful, leading me to drop out after a few months. My brother, however, successfully completed two full two-year courses. In some ways, I envy the support my brother received and wonder how my life might have differed had I been given similar opportunities.

Throughout our lives, my brother and I have forged a deep bond rooted in our shared experiences and mutual support. Recognizing that we perceived the world in a similar, yet unique manner compared to others, we consistently tried to aid one another in achieving success. From an early age, we both showed a high degree of creativity, often immersing ourselves in drawing and crafting intricate fantasy worlds together. This shared passion not only strengthened our connection but also fostered an environment of encouragement and motivation. We continually urged each other to strive for excellence and remained steadfast in our support during challenging times. Our collaborative efforts extended to academic pursuits as well, where we often helped each other with homework assignments. By using our individual strengths, we were able to provide effective tutoring in subjects where the other required additional guidance. This symbiotic relationship has been instrumental in our personal and academic growth, underscoring the profound impact of our enduring partnership and displaying the positives that can come from having ASD.

Neurodivergences are as prevalent in the workplace as in other areas of life, making it crucial to implement strategies that ensure all team members feel comfortable and supported. To foster an inclusive environment, communicate clearly and directly with your coworkers, using straightforward language and providing written instructions for larger tasks. Be mindful of sensory sensitivities by minimizing strong smells, loud noises, and bright lights in shared spaces, and respect your coworkers’ personal space and boundaries. Engage in open conversations to understand everyone’s specific needs and preferences, as every individual with a neurodivergence may have different triggers and coping mechanisms. Promoting awareness and education about neurodivergences within the workplace can also help create a more empathetic and supportive culture, ensuring that everyone can thrive.

 

This story is submitted by a Matt Portelli, Xerox Digital Print Operator in ON, Canada.

https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/

Neurodiversity Week 17 – 23 March 2025

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